On Thursday, North Carolina visits Littlejohn Coliseum to take on Clemson. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST and it can be seen on ESPN. The Tar Heels are 5-1 against the Tigers over the last four years. The last time they played they won 74-52 on Feb. 18, 2012.

North Carolina is currently in third place in the conference and Clemson is in eigth.

In a 76-65 win over NC State on Feb. 23, Reggie Bullock put up 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Tar Heels. He tallies 14.1 points per game and also adds 6 rebounds per game. The Tigers were defeated by Maryland 72-59 on Feb. 23 despite 16 points and 5 rebounds from Devin Booker. With 12.4 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game, he has team-best marks in both categories.

North Carolina appears to have a key statistical advantage in two areas. The Tar Heels have an edge in assists, 17 per game to 10 per game. In addition, North Carolina has an advantage in scoring, 78 points per game to 61 points per game.

On the other side, the Tigers outperform the Tar Heels in blocked shots, 5 per game to 3 per game.

Clemson StatSmack

Marcus Paige is ranked 3rd in the ACC in assists.

North Carolina has an average margin of victory of 15 over Clemson in 58 wins since 1980.

North Carolina has a better record at home than Clemson this season (13-1 vs. 8-5).

North Carolina has more wins against the RPI Top 50 than Clemson this season (two vs. zero).

Dexter Strickland is ranked 6th in the ACC in assists and 8th in the ACC in steals.

North Carolina has a much lower average debt at graduation according to Kiplinger than Clemson ($14,262 vs. $18,463).

North Carolina has a much better NCSA Power Ranking than Clemson (No. 27 vs. No. 97).

North Carolina has a stronger schedule than Clemson this season (SOS Rank: No. 10 vs. No. 106).

North Carolina has more NCAA Championships over the last 10 years than Clemson (two vs. zero).